5 tips to make great first impression in interview

In this competitive job market, making that first winning impression is more critical than ever.

Career experts say that it’s not always what you say, but how you say it, that could make the difference in securing that coveted post. That’s because interviewers observe everything — from your facial expressions and mannerisms, to how you sit in a chair — to evaluate whether they think you’ll be successful in the new post and fit in with other workers.

Key Takeaways

• Interviewers begin evaluating you before you speak — the physical signals you send on entry shape every answer you give
• Posture is not just about appearance: sitting upright signals alertness, engagement, and readiness
• Eye contact is one of the strongest indicators of confidence — practice it before the interview if it does not come naturally
• Unconscious facial expressions can undermine answers that sound confident — practice in a mirror or ask a friend for feedback
• Strong scents (cologne, perfume, cigarette smoke) can disqualify you silently before the conversation begins

5 Tips to Make a Great First Impression in an Interview

1. Posture. Just as your parents used to say, sit up straight in the chair and listen attentively, says executive recruiter Vicki Kaskey of Ledgent Search Group. “Posture is distracting sometimes if they’re too laid-back, where they’re almost too comfortable,” Kaskey says. “When you’re in an interview, you need to be on your toes.”

In practice, this means: both feet flat on the floor, spine upright but not rigid, and a slight forward lean that signals engagement. Avoid crossing your arms — it reads as defensive or closed off. Avoid leaning back as though you are settling in for a casual conversation. The interview environment is a professional one, even when the interviewer tries to make it feel relaxed.

2. Eye contact. Looking directly at the interviewer shows you’re engaged in the conversation. But remember to occasionally glance away to avoid looking like you are staring. “I’ve had people look at my pictures on my wall when they’re talking to me,” says Mike Hayes, owner of Momentum Specialized Staffing in Phoenix. “Or they look at their fingernails or play with their hair.”

A practical technique: maintain eye contact for three to five seconds, then look briefly down or to the side before returning. If you are shy or find eye contact uncomfortable, practice it in everyday conversations before the interview — it becomes more natural with repetition. The goal is to look engaged, not to win a staring contest.

3. Facial expressions. Be careful not to make odd expressions, which can make you look strange to an interviewer. “People make faces all the time when they talk to people,” Hayes notes. Many of these expressions are completely unconscious — raised eyebrows, grimaces, or looks of confusion that flash across your face when you are thinking.

Hayes suggests practicing in the mirror or asking someone who knows you well whether you make unexpected expressions when you speak, when you are caught off guard, or when you are thinking about a difficult question. You will likely be surprised. Video yourself answering common interview questions — it is one of the fastest ways to catch habits you cannot see in real time.

4. Smell. Cigarette smoke and perfumes or cologne can be turn-offs in an interview setting. “People that smoke a lot don’t smell it. But when you go into an office, it permeates and a lot of people don’t like that,” Hayes says.

The same applies to perfumes and colognes, which many people are allergic to. Your complete physical presentation — not just fragrance — sends a signal before you speak. Clean, well-pressed clothing in professional, conservative colors makes the strongest neutral impression. See our guide to interview attire for what hiring managers actually notice about how candidates present themselves.

5. Don’t fidget. Fidgeting — tapping your foot, playing with a pen, touching your hair, picking at your fingers — signals nervousness and distraction. It draws the interviewer’s attention away from what you are saying and toward your discomfort. “Keep your hands to your side or folded in your lap,” Kaskey says. “When you’re in an interview, you need to be on your toes.”

Fidgeting is almost always a nervous habit, which means the best treatment is reducing your overall anxiety level. Arrive early so you have time to settle. Take slow, deliberate breaths before entering the room. Bring a notepad — holding a pen naturally and taking occasional notes gives your hands a purposeful anchor.

What Strong First Impressions Actually Communicate

A strong first impression in an interview is not about being someone you are not. It is about removing the physical distractions that prevent an interviewer from seeing who you actually are. When your posture is good, your eye contact is steady, and you are not fidgeting, the interviewer can focus entirely on your answers — and your answers are where you win or lose the job.

The nonverbal elements covered above are skills, not innate qualities. They can be practiced, improved, and refined before every interview. The candidates who consistently make strong first impressions are not naturally more confident — they are more prepared.

For the complete interview preparation system — research, question prep, logistics, and follow-up — see: How to Prepare for a Job Interview: The Complete Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do first impressions matter so much in a job interview? Research shows that interviewers form their initial opinion within the first few minutes of meeting a candidate — sometimes within seconds. Because body language accounts for more than half of face-to-face communication, the physical signals you send before you speak heavily influence how your answers are received.

How should I sit in a job interview? Sit upright with both feet flat on the floor, leaning slightly forward to show engagement. Avoid crossing your arms, slouching, or sitting back in a way that appears too relaxed. Good posture signals alertness, confidence, and genuine interest in the conversation.

How do I make proper eye contact during an interview without staring? Maintain eye contact for three to five seconds at a time, then glance away briefly before returning. Look directly at the interviewer when they speak and when you make key points. If you are interviewing with multiple people, shift your gaze to include everyone when answering a question.

Should I wear perfume or cologne to a job interview? No — avoid wearing perfume or cologne entirely. Many people have allergies or sensitivities to scents, and strong fragrances can be distracting or off-putting in a closed interview room. Focus your preparation on clean, professional clothing instead.

What can I do to stop fidgeting during a job interview? Before the interview, practice keeping your hands still in your lap or on the table. Identify your specific nervous habits — playing with hair, tapping feet, or touching your face — and deliberately work to eliminate them. Bringing a notepad to hold can give your hands a neutral anchor point.